The British summer never fails to disappoint. My family and I hired a beach hut on Knoll Beach for a week in July –something we’ve done for the past few years – and hoped for seven days of glorious sunshine. In the end, it was wet and rainy on several days, but we made the best of it.
Knoll Beach in Studland is perhaps my favourite stretch of coastline in Dorset. It is smaller, quieter and more peaceful than Bournemouth’s beaches. I love the view across the water, with Old Harry Rocks on one side and the Isle of Wight in the distance. The drive through Purbeck is stunning, and we often stop at the viewpoint on the B3351 to look across to Poole and Brownsea Island. It’s an excellent spot for an ice cream.
The nature at Knoll Beach is also incredible. The sand dunes, now beaten down by storms, are fascinating, and the area attracts plenty of wildlife – we saw several deer and rabbits this year. My children loved digging in the sand and looking for shells, while I practised on our paddle board when the water was calm. The weather may not have been spectacular, but it was a wonderful week. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend visiting.
Speaking of disappointment, I hope sport fans are not too sad about England losing the Euros. At least the Premier League is coming back soon – we have a four-page spread in this issue all about AFC Bournemouth’s upcoming fixtures. With the footie about to start, let’s hope for sunnier weather ahead.
Luke Graham
Editor
The Editor reserves the right to amend or shorten contributions in order to fit in with the editorial policy and style of the magazine
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Be extra vigilant when paying for parking in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area as scammers are placing fake QR stickers over genuine QR codes on parking meters.
Once scanned, the fake code may take people to a fraudulent website where there is a danger of money being taken from their account. Fake QR code stickers have been found at BCP car parks including Richmond Gardens, Richmond Hill and Undercliff Drive.
Residents are advised to use one of three recognised apps to pay for parking in the BCP area: PayByPhone, RingGo or JustPark. Alternatively, use the automated phone pay service number displayed on parking meter boards.
Machines are regularly inspected to remove any fake QR codes, and the public can report sightings of scam codes on 01202 128900.
Emergency appeal launched by CAP
A Ferndown-based debt managing centre has launched an appeal. East Dorset Debt Centre, which offers free debt advice to people across East Dorset and Ringwood, is run in partnership with Christians Against Poverty (CAP).
CAP’s East Dorset Debt Centre manager, Pam Ansell, said: “I’d never have imagined how drastically UK poverty was about to escalate when our church first opened a CAP Debt Centre 10 years ago. We are seeing situations where household income just isn’t enough to cover the most basic needs, and families are going hungry. All of this is now the daily reality for our service.
She added: “Right now, for so many, life is just about survival. We’re doing everything we can to support people in our community, but the truth is, it’s getting harder and harder. It’s heartbreaking to see the level of need our clients are facing and I wish we could offer even more help and time to them.” CAP has launched an emergency appeal online via capuk.org/urgent.
12-year-old tells a winning story
Congratulations to Naomi Baker, aged 12, who is the overall winner of a Dorset Police storytelling competition. Entrants were encouraged to use fairytales to inspire conversations about fraud and help prevent people from unknowingly sharing personal details or banking information with criminals. Entries were narrowed down by
Dorset-based author, Rachel McLean. Results: Ages 5-9 (1) Mayra Shah; (2) Mia Belfield; (3) Marcus Pereira. Ages 10-12: (1) Naomi Baker; (2) Isla Smart; (3) Petra Kostetsky-Brownen. Ages 13-17: (1) Sky Surrey; (2) India Smart. Ages 24-64: (1) Cate Battson; (2) Louise Ahrens; (3) Jenny Andrews. 65 and up: (1) Christine Diment; (2) Ann Taylor; (3) Ray Lee.
Poole Town Football Club proposes new sports venue
Poole Town Football Club, which has supported more than 3,000 local families in the past year through its Kids Initiative Community Interest Company (CIC), has big plans for the future.
Representatives of Poole Town Football Club, YMCA Bournemouth, and the Gale Foundation Trust CIO recently submitted a concept plan for a community sports village in Creekmoor as part of BCP Council’s Local Plan consultation. Poole Town Football Club is now seeking support and investment to enable the delivery of this scheme.
The concept plan for
Vikki Slade steps down as leader of BCP Council
Vikki Slade resigned last month as leader of BCP Council following her election as a Liberal Democrat MP for the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency in the General Election. She remains as the councillor for the Broadstone Ward.
Richard Gale, director and community officer at Poole Town Football Club said: “At present, Poole Town Football Club does not have its own space to operate from. In addition to the men’s first team, the club have an Under-23s side as well as two ladies’ teams who all struggle to find pitches to play and train on due to the severe lack of sports facilities within BCP.”
As well as a new football ground and training space for Poole Town Football Club, the concept includes increased nursery facilities, a community hub, a multi-use games area, cycle and walking links, a sports centre and sports village comprising of independent sport and recreation providers.
First, the land must be allocated for community benefit in the pending BCP Local Plan to enable the delivery of this scheme.
Creekmoor
law spot by Harold G Walker Solicitors
DIVORCE AND FINANCIAL REMEDY –
HOW THE FAMILY LAW CONSIDERS REMEDIES
By Rob Price, Associate, Family Law Solicitor
Pensions
This area of law is about overall fairness based first and foremost on your respective financial needs. Doing the next right thing so that you can both move on with your lives. The courts consider a number of factors, to be found in Section 25 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973. One of those is resources and earning capacity.
The Court considers the relevance or otherwise of pensions when determining how to divide assets fairly and making the appropriate order. They therefore make the following enquiries:
Should the current value of the pension be offset against other available capital assets?
Should the pension be shared, so that you can take what is awarded to you from it and transfer it into your own preferred pension pot?
Pension sharing
After any pension fund has been identified and valued, the valuations can then be used to calculate an appropriate percentage of a pension pot that should be transferred to you. The calculations might reflect equality of pension incomes and equality of pension values.
Once agreed, the pension share that you acquire is then your own.
Capital offsetting
In lieu of pension benefits, a capital value can be estimated from other assets to determine a lump sum for you to invest as you please, provided there is enough capital in the pot.
Great care is taken to consider the fairest option in these circumstances and, of course, the weight of legal cost against potential benefit.
Do call one of our experts for a free initial discussion about your circumstances. Law Spot is for information only and does not constitute legal advice
KidZone returns to Bournemouth’s beaches
The safety of people using Bournemouth’s beaches should once again be assured this year with the return of the KidZone summer beach scheme run by BCP Council.
The initiative, which started in 2007, seeks to protect and reunite lost children or vulnerable adults with their families across the busy coastline until 1 September.
Sponsored by LV=, the scheme has reunited thousands of children and vulnerable adults who have become separated from their parents, guardians or carers, and aims to prevent them becoming lost in the first place.
Visitors can collect free wristbands from all seafront offices and RNLI lifeguard towers across the 15 miles of BCP seafront.
Until 1 September, the beaches of Bournemouth, Boscombe, Alum and Durley Chine will be staffed by LV=KidZone operatives who will distribute wristbands directly to families.
The child or vulnerable adult’s location, and their parent or guardian’s phone number will then be written onto the band, and if they get separated during the day, staff will be able to reunite them with their friends and family.
Javelin success for three local girls
Dorset is leading the way in the Girls Under 13 Javelin with girls currently ranked first, second and seventh in the UK.
Mila Desborough from Wimborne AC leads the national rankings with 38.32m and teammate Bethany Cassidy is second ranked with a best throw of 34.22m. Seventh-placed nationally is Lumen Myles of Poole Athletic Club with 30.95m.
All three girls are exponents of the ‘fast arm’ necessary for great javelin throwing, but each has other strings to their bows: Mila and Bethany are ranked in the top 20 in the long jump and 70m hurdles respectively, and Lumen is ranked third in the discus.
The girls met up at the Ashdown track recently in a round of the Wessex Young Athletes League. All three threw over 30m, with Lumen coming within one centimetre of her personal best.
River Allen footbridge to be replaced
Work is taking place to replace the footbridge over the River Allen to the north of Allenview car park in Wimborne. During the work the riverside walk off Elizabeth Road to Walford Mill is not accessible.
Routine inspections found corrosion on the underside of the bridge, used by students of the nearby Allenbourn Middle School. Although the corrosion is not a risk to the stability of the bridge, it requires attention. Due to limited access, it is not possible to undertake the required works in situ, therefore, the bridge will
be removed and a new, more easily maintained, footbridge put in its place.
The old bridge will be refurbished offsite so it can be reused elsewhere.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Place Commissioned Services said: “The bridge is wellused, especially by students attending the nearby school but after years of wear and tear it is in need of repair.”
The new steel bridge will be assembled in sections and will be ready and in place in time for the start of the new school term in September.
Prepare to be transported back to the groovy era of funk, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll as Wharncliffe Road in Highcliffe transforms into a haven of 1970s’ nostalgia for the second annual Clifftop Music Festival on 7 September, 11am-7.30pm.
“We’re thrilled to bring back the 1970s Music Festival for its second year,” says Mandy Polkey, chair of the Highcliffe Action Team. “Last year’s event was a resounding success, and we can’t wait to build on that momentum and create an even more memorable experience for our community. It’s a chance to come together, let loose, and relive the magic of the ‘70s.
“With a lineup of tribute bands, retro activities, and
delicious food, the festival offers a nostalgic journey through one of music’s most beloved decades. Join us for a day of peace, love, and rock ‘n’ roll at the 1970s Music Festival,” adds Polkey.
Tickets from https://www. highcliffevillage.com/musicfestival
Charity organises trips to Monkey World
Report and photos by Hattie Miles
Around 300 children from four schools in Wimborne, Bournemouth and Poole enjoyed visits to Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre near Wareham, thanks to Variety, the Children’s Charity. The visitors came on three separate days in June and July and were able to observe the resident orangutans, chimpanzees, capuchins and more, as well as experience fun at the centre’s new Great Ape Play Area.
On Monday 8 July, nearly 200 children from Beaucroft School in Wimborne, Bethany School in Bournemouth, and Linwood School campuses in Bournemouth and Poole, arrived at Monkey World. On the two previous visits, in June, more pupils from Linwood and St Clements school children enjoyed successful days watching the antics of the resident apes.
The Monkey World days were organised by Variety Wessex and were part of the charity’s
“Great Days Out” scheme that aims to give disadvantaged children positive memories.
For more information about the work of Variety Wessex, contact Frances Cornelius on francesaaa@aol.com.
Dorset initiative to make pubs safer
Dorset Council is encouraging pubs, bars and nightclubs to sign up to Dorset’s Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (Licensing SAVI).
Developed by the Home Office and backed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the scheme ensures licensed premises are aware of and meet the safety and security standards required by local authority and police licensing teams.
Available as an online self-assessment, it covers effective management practices and operational security including: safeguarding vulnerable customers; preventing violent behaviour; responsible drinking; preventing opportunist theft; preventing drugs misuse and improving physical security, such as emergency exits, lighting and CCTV.
The initiative is part of the Safer Street Fund, in which Dorset received £784,055 from the Home Office for projects which focuses on tackling crime in our rural communities and the safety of women and girls.
Cllr Gill Taylor, cabinet member for Community Safety, Public Health, Environmental Health and Regulatory Services, said: “Licensing SAVI is a fantastic initiative which encourages venues to look more closely at their safety and security policies and procedures; it also provides definitive information on management practices to improve the safety and security of venues.”
Children enjoyed the new play area at Monkey World
An orangutan eating tomatoes
Wildfire prevention campaign warns against BBQs
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) is once again reminding the public to #BringAPicnicNotABBQ to open spaces this summer.
This wildfire prevention campaign aims to remind everyone to take care in forests and heathlands. Over the
last three years, DWFRS has seen an increase in wildfires, dealing with 494 fires in 2021, 912 in 2022 and 510 in 2023.
One of the most devasting in living memory was the Wareham Forest fire of May 2020, which is believed to have been started by a disposable barbecue.
Firefighters, police officers, Forestry England rangers and other partners spent over three weeks to resolve the incident, working tirelessly in hot and arduous conditions.
Disposable barbecues being left behind when still hot are a known cause of heath and forest fires, as are campfires. This campaign aims to reduce this risk by encouraging people to choose alternatives such as a picnic or an electric barbecue. The campaign also highlights that barbecues and fires are banned on heathland, in forests and in many other high-risk areas.
Marc House, head of
prevention at DWFRS said: “With nice weather hopefully on the way, it is only natural to want to go outdoors and enjoy it with friends and family, but it is also important to stay fireaware when out and about.
“The idea behind the #BringAPicnicNotABBQ campaign is to remind those enjoying our countryside that bringing a picnic is a much safer option than having a barbecue.”
West Moors hairdresser moving to new location
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West Moors salon Station Hair is excited to announce that, after nine years, it is moving to a brand-new location at 146 Station Road in September.
The expansion will allow Station Hair to offer lots of new treatments and services, including facials, lashes and brows, waxing, microneedling, sun beds, aesthetics, skin boosters, ear piercings and hair extensions.
The team is really thrilled and cannot wait to move to the new salon.
Station Hair’s Jazz said: “We’ve been in our little salon since we opened in 2015. We
get so busy, and it can get so full in here. We’re ready to have a bit more space.”
Describing the team, Jazz added: “It’s more like family here. We’re a really tight-knit team and very bubbly.”
To celebrate the move, Station Hair is having an opening day with drinks and gift bags on Monday 2 September before opening for business the next day.
To book a treatment with the warm, welcoming team at Station Hair, call 01202 895394 or visit www. stationhair.co.uk.
Creative girl wins £250 for school library
A creative six-year-old girl from Wimborne has won a national competition by designing a superhero-themed book cover.
Matilde Cabell, a year one pupil at Wimborne First School, won £250 of book vouchers for her school’s newly refurbished library thanks to her winning design. She also received a collection of children’s books and a notebook with her design on the front.
Matilde, who loves to draw and read, was both surprised
and thrilled to have won the competition organised by Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, which asked children to design a cover where the main character wears magical super-powered glasses.
Mum Ilaria Lorenzon said: “Matilde saw the competition when we visited the branch for her eye test.
“This is the first time she’s entered a competition, so we are all incredibly proud of her and sharing in her excitement.”
The Mayor of Wimborne Jeff Hart and local members of the Royal British Legion marked Armed Forces Day at the Museum of East Dorset on Saturday 29 June. To show its support, the museum offered free entry to serving troops, their families, veterans and cadets.
QE School students go to Buckingham Palace
Two Year 13 students at Queen Elizabeth’s School in Wimborne have attended a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Thomas Ayling and Jack Lusty were awarded the gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and to achieve this they had to complete five sets of challenges. These were: 12 months of volunteering; 12 months of developing new skills; six months of physical exercise; a four-day and three-night expedition in the country and a five-day and four-night residential trip with people they did not know.
Thomas Ayling said: “It’s a fantastic way to try new things, make new friends and develop skills for the future. I found it a really rewarding experience and one I will look back on very fondly.”
Alex Priest, the teacher responsible for the awards at QE School – which is part of Initio LearningTrust – said:
“Thomas and Jack’s journey to gold has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“I wholeheartedly encourage all students who have yet to embark on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey to consider enrolling.”
Brian Boyes, interim headteacher at Queen Elizabeth’s School, said: “Thomas and Jack have shown immense dedication to invest significant time and effort in developing new skills, engaging in physical activities and volunteering within their communities.”
More on this story at www.dorsetview.co.uk.
Lockyer’s Middle School led the way in this year’s 11-day Big Walk and Wheel challenge with 59 per cent of pupils travelling to the Corfe Mullen school by foot, scooter, bicycle or wheelchair. Delivered by the active travel charity Sustrans, the challenge is open to all primary and secondary schools. Twenty schools in the region took part and together they saved the equivalent of 15,648kg of CO2 and 23kg of NOx of car emissions from entering the atmosphere. Photo by Simon Murray, Sustrans
Thomas Ayling
Jack Lusty
Charity of the Year
A leap of faith:
registrations open for 10,000ft skydive
Registrations have opened for the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Skydive, which takes place on Saturday 21 September at Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury.
Participants will be taking an adrenaline-pumping 10,000ft leap into the skies to raise essential funds and awareness of the hospice nurses and the vital services they provide for the community at Lewis-Manning.
This unique event not only promises an unforgettable experience but also offers participants a chance to learn more about the incredible work that the hospice nurses do supporting patients and their families impacted by lifelimiting illnesses across Poole,
East Dorset, Purbeck and West Hampshire. Skydivers will be paired up with a hospice nurse and will support the vital work they do in our communities every day in hospice hubs and in patients' homes.
The nurses are proudly supporting the campaign, and many have signed up to skydive. Staff nurse Hannah Quick said: “I have seen firsthand the amazing people this money will support. My patients show me every day how brave and courageous they are, so I feel it’s only right for me to do something out of my comfort zone.”
Among the brave individuals taking part is Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber of Commerce. With a life-long
fear of heights, Ian is facing the challenge head-on.
Ian said: “I cannot wait to skydive for Lewis-Manning. I have been absolutely terrified of heights my whole life and even experience vertigo when looking up at the sky.
“When I was asked to take part, I realised it would be a great opportunity to face my biggest fears, as well as raise money for a vital cause. The nurses at LewisManning need our help, and I am proud to support them as much as I can, to allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care.”
Louis Pulford, director of Pulford Publicity is also taking a giant leap to support a staff nurse. See his interview with her on page 17.
Area fundraiser India Turner said: “We are super proud of our amazing team of skydivers who have signed up so far. Their bravery will have such a positive impact for our nurses and allow them to continue delivering extraordinary hospice care. We would urge anyone interested in joining in, to register on our website. It’s going to be a fun day.” Visit lewis-manning. org.uk/skydive.
Skydive hero
for a
Dorst View's Louis Pulford meets hospice nurse Angie
I recently decided to take a leap and committed to doing a 10,000ft skydive in support of LewisManning Hospice Care, our charity of the year.
The goal of this exciting event is for each jumper to raise £450 in support of a hospice nurse, so I thought it would be a nice idea for our readers to get to know a little about Angie who is the reason behind my skydive.
I recently met Angie whose working week is a mix between running the LewisManning Day Hospice and visiting patients at home to carry out assessments and asked her some questions:
Q. What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
A. Assisting people to live their lives in the best way possible, listening to their wishes, and being beside them to help overcome any obstacles and difficulties. The people I work with and the people
I care for and their families and friends inspire me. I love working within a team. The Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Team are fantastic to work with. They care so much about our patients but also, we care about each other too.
Q. Can you give a high point in your career?
A. There have been so many that I can’t pinpoint just one. Working at Lewis-Manning is amazing, and I feel privileged to be able to treat patients with such time and care. I feel so lucky to have had such an interesting career, with so much variety including working overseas and making very special lifelong friends. I have been a Registered Nurse for too many years to admit to. In that time, I have met many
extraordinary people who have lived very difficult lives with such dignity, love and humour.
Q. How do you tackle day-to-day challenges?
A. Keep calm and prioritise what needs to be done first.
Q. How do you decompress at the end of the day?
A. With support, listening, advice and lemon cake with my Lewis-Manning colleagues.
Q. What are your hobbies?
A. Playing the piano and ukulele – badly. Have you
heard of playing the right notes but not necessarily in the right order?
Q. Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to become a hospice nurse?
A. I would say gain some general experience first in a variety of places. I knew I wanted to work for LewisManning because I was so impressed with their ethos. So, there we have a bit of background about the lovely Angie.
If you would like to donate to help me raise £450 for this day-to-day hero, follow the link to my donation page www.justgiving.com/page/louispulford-1720426098624
If you are looking to manage your weight, quit smoking, cut down on your drinking or get more active – have you tried LiveWell Dorset?
LiveWell is a free service for Dorset adults – there is no membership, no catch. Part of Public Health Dorset, LiveWell is dedicated to supporting people to live healthier lives. Even small changes to your lifestyle can have a big impact on your long-term health.
It’s easy to register by phone or online and takes just a few minutes. You choose the goal you would like to focus on and a LiveWell advisor will talk about your current lifestyle, look at the options to support a healthy change and help you make a plan.
This could be 12 free weekly sessions with a local slimming club, a quit kit with free nicotine replacement or a vape, an activity plan to get you moving more or perhaps six sessions with your very own LiveWell coach.
Having professional help can increase your chance of success, keeping you on track, plus the reassurance of knowing you don’t have to face any problems or barriers alone – help is always on hand. Sign up at livewelldorset.co.uk/ register or call 0800 840 1628.
Take a test for prostate cancer
Men aged over 40 in the Dorset area are urged to take a free blood test to check for prostate cancer. This simple test could save your life.
Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club and the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust are partnering to organise a prostate cancer screening event on Saturday 7 September at The Barrington Centre in Ferndown. Appointments are available between 9am and 2.30pm.
Attendees to the checkup will take a PSA test, which is currently the best available indicator of a possible prostate problem.
Lions Club member and organiser Ron Neave said: “In its early stages, prostate cancer produces no symptoms, so it is important to diagnose the disease early and while it is still curable.”
To book a free test, visit gfct. mypsatests.
org.uk or scan the QR code.
Hundreds of people braved the elements and gathered in Poole Park to write a dedication in memory of a loved one at Forest Holme Hospice’s annual Tie A Yellow Ribbon event in June. If you were unable to attend but would like to make a dedication, the hospice will happily make one on your behalf, which will be displayed in the garden at Forest Holme over the summer. Please visit https://forestholmehospice.enthuse.com/tayr24 Pictured are Citrus Singers choir performing at Tie A Yellow Ribbon
Improve balance, flexibility and fitness
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Are you finding your balance, flexibility and fitness are not what they used to be but are unsure what to do about it?
You should check out Ferndown Fitness in Pennys Walk, Ferndown. It’s a fitness club with a difference that offers personalised exercise programmes and as much help and guidance as you need from approachable, knowledgeable staff.
They now also offer a great selection of classes including Yoga, Chair Yoga, Balance Classes, Flexibility & Stretch Classes as well as Aerobic Classes to help with fitness.
They can really help you get moving again and get back into exercise at your own pace, so why not pop in or call 01202 855321 to have a chat or book a free guest visit.
Rebrand for Bournemouth and Poole mental health charity
The Bournemouth and Poole based charity The Sheltered Work Opportunities Project, known as SWOP, has been renamed as Plants and Minds.
Known for Cherry Tree Nursery in Northbourne, and Chestnut Nursery in Poole, the charity was set up in 1990 to offer pressure-free rehabilitation to adults with life-impacting mental health illnesses.
The rebrand coincides
with the launch of a new programme that will extend the provision of activities and services for adults across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. Funded by NHS Dorset and Community Action Network via the Dorset Community Foundation, the Access To Wellbeing programme will see the NHS, local authorities and the voluntary and community sector working together to improve the mental health of people in the conurbation.
Maria Tidy, community liaison officer, said: “We’ll be using our two nurseries to provide a venue for horticulture therapy to improve people’s wellbeing and mental health.”
Plants and Minds has also been opening up more to local businesses and organisations, inviting them to Cherry Tree Nursery for
a ‘See How We Grow’ day.
Maria said: “We intend to start a monthly ‘Let’s All Grow Together’ networking group for like-minded organisations later this year. To get your name on the invitation list contact maria@ plantsandminds.org.uk.”
Memories of hospice’s first days
It has now been 50 years since the NHS opened its first hospice, the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital.
Mary Stapleton, 90, worked as an ‘auxiliary’ from its opening in July 1974 and still lives close by.
She shared her memories with Neal Williams, trust secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity which still supports the hospice:
“Dr Ronald Fisher was our first consultant. He was very appreciative of what we were
doing and was always there. We respected him for that.”
The unit’s first patient was a lady called Stella.
“We all stood in the doorway and welcomed her in,” said Mary. “She would sit in the beautiful garden sometimes and knit.”
The Macmillan Unit was and still is funded with the help of local supporters and businesses.
Mary explained: “There was no shortage of volunteers. One lady would come all the
way from Swanage with eggs from her smallholding.
“Morris, a chaplain from Southbourne would come on a Sunday and another person would come and play the organ.
“I met the entertainer Max Bygraves, who was a regular visitor and very popular with the patients.
“I have happy memories of my time at the Macmillan Unit. It’s a pleasure to share them.”
Go to youtube.com/ watch?v=fiaOCOoScd4 to see Mary’s full interview.
Do
With cases of pertussis (whooping cough) increasing nationally, pregnant women in Dorset are being reminded to get themselves vaccinated.
Pregnant women can help protect their babies by getting vaccinated – ideally from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks pregnant. If for any reason you miss having the vaccine, you can still have it up until you go into labour.
Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness. When whooping cough is particularly severe, they can die.
For more information visit nhs.uk/pregnancy/keepingwell/whooping-coughvaccination/ or speak to your midwife.
NEW SEASON FIXTURES
AFC Bournemouth finished 12th on the table in the 2023-24 season – better than their 15th place ranking the year before – having won 13 of their 38 matches. Under manager Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth achieved their best points tally in the Premier League with 48 points last season. With the new season starting this month, can they break their record and place even higher up the table?
In July, the team flew to Los Angeles – the team’s first trip to America in 10 years – for a pre-season training camp, where they played friendlies against the Welsh rising stars Wrexham and fellow Premier League club Arsenal.
WORK IN THE COMMUNITY
AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust is the charitable arm of AFC Bournemouth, and works in the local community across Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas in education and health, encouraging participation and inclusion in football.
The team hosts football sessions for all age groups, from toddlers aged one to three years old, all the way up to people aged over 50, 60 and 70 who can take part in walking football. They offer football development sessions for girls and boys across several age groups, women’s teams and sessions for those with disabilities. The trust also delivers chair football sessions to care home residents across the county.
TEAMS
As well as the men’s first team, AFC Bournemouth has a women’s team which competes in the National League. They narrowly missed out on promotion by drawing 1-1 with Exeter City in a title-deciding match in April. Last season, the under-18s team finished fifth in their first ever Professional Development League campaign, as well as reaching the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup. Under-18s head coach James Lowy has said it’s been a “really positive year” for the academy.
NEW SIGNINGS
Winger Luis Sinisterra and striker Enes Unal, who were both on loan last season, have joined the team permanently this season.
Bournemouth have also signed on a new goalkeeper from New Zealand, Alex Paulsen. The 22-year-old Kiwi has been bought from Wellington Phoenix for a reported initial fee of £850,000. In his last season at Wellington Phoenix, Alex played every minute and helped the team finish second, achieving their highest ever finish while conceding the lowest number of goals in the club’s history.
SEASON TICKET
Season ticket holders saw their prices rise for a second year in a row. To try and iron out inconsistent discounts between different concession groups, some fans saw a 19 per cent increase to the price of their season ticket. Meanwhile, after discussions with the Disabled Supporters’ Association regarding consistent disabled ticket pricing, the club announced a plan to apply pricing changes over the next five years, instead of a large increase straightaway. As such, wheelchair users will see their season ticket package increase to £111, up from £76. However, the club promised to donate the additional revenue generated from that rise – which could be as much as £2,415 – to charity next season.
Reed’s race to the top
By Luke Graham | luke@dorsetview.co.uk
A Dorset teenager is making a name for himself in the unusual world of downhill mountain bike racing.
Ferndown’s Reed Darley isn’t like most teenagers. While other 13-year-olds may spend their weekends at home, Reed is travelling across England and Wales to compete in downhill mountain bike races.
He may be young, but Reed’s already broken into the UK’s top 10 among his age group at the sport, which sees competitors race down incredibly steep tracks at breakneck speeds while navigating jumps, twists and risky routes over jagged rocks.
Reed started racing bikes aged nine, and he now competes at least once a month, with a slew of medals to his name. His talent was recognised in June when he was awarded a £1,000 grant from the Dorset Community Foundation Lord Lieutenant’s Fund for the Young and Talented.
Dorset View reached out to Reed’s mum Louisa to find out more about the future sport star. How did Reed discover this unusual sport?
Reed first became interested in bikes from a very early age – as soon as he could walk he was on a balance bike and learnt to ride a bike soon after. It really progressed from there, riding with friends that also had children into bikes and then entering some local races when he was able to as he showed a natural talent on the bike. What was your reaction to receiving the grant?
We were so surprised and very shocked to receive the amazing news. We are so very grateful, and it really is such a help towards the costs that go with this sport. The money has been used to pay for some of Reed’s new downhill race bike, for bike parts and for more race entries.
Does the sport have a big following?
There is a massive following!
Once you are in the world of MTB it seems to spiral quickly, and social media is a massive part of that. Does Reed get on with his fellow racers and rivals?
Yes, Reed gets on very well with his rivals and other racers – on and off the track! It’s a great community of families and we have become friends with a lot of riders and their families. We normally camp on the race site, and all help each other with bikes and kit.
What is it like travelling across the country for all these events?
It really is great to travel around the UK to the different race events. Of course, it takes a lot of commitment from all the family and it’s a long weekend, but we really do love it and it is taking us to some stunning spots. Even the grandparents love to come and support Reed if it’s not too far away. What do Reed’s schoolmates think of his racing?
Reed’s best mates think it’s really cool and are extremely supportive of his racing. They love to know how he’s doing
on race weekends, and many have also started riding more, so it is really great that they are out and about having fun on bikes at local trails. What about school?
Ferndown Middle School have been very supportive. Reed’s PE teacher is such a fan of his riding and achievements and kindly wrote a letter for the Lord Lieutenant’s Fund application. What is Reed’s dream for the sport?
Reed dreams of one day riding in the UCI World Cup and travelling the world with a team. He will continue to work hard to achieve podium wins in the nationals and other events and to progress in his riding. What is the longerterm plan?
Reed plans to compete as often as he can to gain as much experience as possible on the big tracks. Hopefully one day soon he will be lucky enough to be spotted by a team and be able to ride
for them. This would be an amazing dream come true for Reed and a massive help financially for his future racing. Meanwhile, we continue to appreciate the sponsorship and support he receives from local companies that just love to follow him and watch his progression. We wouldn’t be able to do this without their help and are so grateful.
Reed is truly dedicated to the sport. As well as racing, he trains at a gym three times a week and practises as much as he can. We wish Reed the best of luck in his journey. To show your support, you can follow Reed on Instagram @reed_darley.
Reed has won several medals from mountain bike racing
Beavers living on the River Stour
Local groups have found evidence that beavers are now living on the River Stour in Dorset. Their number is unknown, but beaver feeding signs have been discovered in several areas along the Stour.
One discovery came from the banks of the River Stour near Gillingham. A tree planted 13 years ago by Gillingham Action for Nature Group (GANG) was found felled. Dorset Wildlife Trust were called to verify that this was the work of a beaver.
Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) are making a comeback in the UK. In October 2022 they were officially recognised as a resident native species in England once again and afforded European protective status having previously been hunted to extinction over 400 years ago. The origin of the beavers in the Dorset Stour is unknown, but there are beavers living in Somerset and the animals could have made their way south.
Bob Messer, co-ordinator of GANG said: “It’s very exciting to find one of the 40 native black poplar we planted in 2011 felled by a beaver and to see other
beaver signs in our local nature reserve managed by GANG.
“Beavers are the original coppicers who promote much needed diversity amongst tree growth and it's great encouragement for our conservation work. We have had talks about the positive effects of beavers on wildlife from research on the River Otter catchment in Devon. We can now dream of the same effects here in North Dorset.”
Beavers are regarded as a keystone species, whose natural habits can benefit other species of wildlife. To maximise these benefits and reduce potential conflict between humans and beavers, the Dorset Catchment Partnership has set up a Beaver Management Group. The group will be able to provide information and advice to communities where beavers are present and help
Saying goodbye to a pet is the hardest thing
By Lynwood Vets
It is a difficult subject to talk about, but there comes a time for every pet when we will say goodbye for a final time. Sometimes this is long expected and you have had time to prepare, and at other times it can be sudden and unexpected. It is normal to be confronted by many intense and conflicting emotions when you lose a pet. It can be hard to make sense of a complicated medical situation and the thought of losing your beloved companion is deeply upsetting. When the death of a pet is also a decision that lies in your hands as the person who loves them the most, it is
landowners and communities access support quickly.
If you would like to learn more about beavers, the local management group is holding a drop-in session on Wednesday 7 August from 3pm to 8pm at Kingston Lacy in Wimborne Minster. To find out more about the Dorset Beaver Management Group, visit dorsetwildlifetrust. org.uk/dorset-beavermanagement-group.
natural to experience a turmoil of thoughts and feelings.
Our role as your vet is two-fold: first to offer calm, objective and expert opinion and guidance on what is best for your pet, and second to make the passing of any animal as gentle and stress and pain free as can be achieved in whatever circumstances have arisen.
It is one of the hardest jobs we ever have to do, but vets take an oath to prevent animal suffering and when it is clear that compassionate euthanasia is the way to achieve this, we will do our best to help and support you and your pet through that journey.
Sarah is Wimborne’s Volunteer of the Year WIMBORNE
Sarah Wise, leader of ‘Wimborne War on Waste’ has received Wimborne Town Council’s Volunteer of the Year Award in recognition for her outstanding contributions to organising community litter picks and promoting waste reduction efforts in the town.
Sarah used to begin each morning by walking through Redcotts Recreation Ground in Wimborne Minster, picking up litter. This evolved into gathering a group of people together and eventually led to the formation of Wimborne War on Waste.
This initiative brought about projects like Bin the Butts, and encouraged cafés to go plastic-free, use refillable coffee cups, and ask businesses
to let people fill their mugs with water. These efforts, all focused on environmental issues, eventually led to the creation of Planet Wimborne, the Repair Café, and more.
The Annual Volunteer of the Year awards by the Town Council are designed to recognise and celebrate volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to Wimborne Minster and its residents.
Nominations must be submitted on an official application by two parish residents and are not limited to one submission per nominator. Full contact details must be provided. Nominations must be received by 31 March 2025.
Future chess grandmasters decided to enjoy the sunny weather and play matches outside in June. Wimborne’s Junior Chess Club meets every Saturday during term time from 10am12noon. The free club is aimed at beginners and improvers aged seven to 15.
D-Day competition winners
The winners of Wimborne Minster Town Council’s poetry competition centred on D-Day and a poster competition focused on recycling and waste management have been revealed.
The poetry competition received over 200 submissions and the winners were Esme James-Davis with “A Soldier Lies”; William Grant with “War Night”; Henry Humphrey with “Operation Overlord”; and Enzo Wilson with “Our Time”.
All the winners attend Lockyer’s Middle School and read their poems on stage at Willow Walk as part of the D-Day commemoration event on 6 June.
In collaboration with Planet Wimborne, the poster competition saw more than 20 entries with the winners being: Milly Roscola, Gabi Chiole, Abigail Hartley, Poppy McIntosh, Olivia Hamill and Ellie Rosa from Allenbourn Middle School; Austin Dancey and Jude Burton from St John’s First School; and Rex Pincroft from Colehill First School.
Mayor Jeff Hart said: “It was great to see so much interest in these two competitions, reflecting the concerns and thoughts of young people on war and the environment. The quality of work was very high, and it was difficult to select the winners.”
Wimborne in Bloom Open Gardens event on 30 June raised nearly £5,000 which will go towards the provision of plants in the towers and planters around the town centre and watering until the end of summer. The next fundraising event is the Duck Race on Saturday 24 August. Pictured is Christine Oliver, left, with a group of visitors to her garden. Photo by Anthony Oliver
Life is never dull at Wimborne Community Garden. We started the month by welcoming John Morris, the judge from South & South East in Bloom to come to the garden to see what we get up to and how our garden is growing. He had a good look round but as to what he thought… we must wait until 20 September to find out. In the meantime, we just have to keep going. So, to do just that, we were delighted to welcome over 30 Brownies and Rainbows to our garden on 24 June. They spent a very busy evening with us: they washed out pots for us in readiness for next year’s sowing; made their own paper ‘plant pots’, which they sowed with herb seeds to grow at home; and spent time identifying as many bugs and plants as they could in different areas of the garden.
Jailed
Jessica Berry, aged 26, from Corfe Mullen has been jailed for eight years and eight months after admitting causing the death of a 40-year-old cyclist, James Raeburn, on Julians Road, Wimborne last October. She was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 9 July after she pleaded guilty to offences of causing death by driving without due care or consideration while over the prescribed limit for alcohol and causing death by driving without due care or consideration
I think it’s fair to say, we all enjoyed it – they were great.
Then the garden was visited by lots of people as we were one of Wimborne in Bloom’s Open Gardens on Sunday 30 June. We were thrilled at the numbers who came to see us and equally humbled and delighted by the overwhelming number of positive comments we received. Our garden is run by volunteers from the community, and we do it for the community. And on that day, we felt we were ‘hitting the nail on the head’ for so many of you. Thank you for making us feel this way.
Finally, just to let you in on a secret – we are attempting to make a short video to send to the BBC’s Gardeners’ World programme. We have no idea if it will be chosen, but he who dares and all that! So watch this space – and please keep your fingers and toes crossed for us.
for fatal collision
while over the specified drug drive limit for cannabis.
She also admitted charges of failing to stop after a road traffic collision and driving a vehicle in a condition likely to cause danger of injury.
Berry was also banned from driving for a period of five years, with the disqualification due to commence on her release from prison.
The judge commended two quick-thinking members of the public who assisted in locating Berry’s vehicle shortly after the collision.
Green poetry competition
Young people in Wimborne are to have the opportunity to display their prowess at writing poetry and their awareness of the environment. A competition, which is part of Planet Wimborne’s Green Festival, invites young artists to create illustrated poems on the theme of rivers. Submissions
PULFORD PUBLICITY sponsors WIMBORNE COMMUNITY
on A4 paper should be sent to Jeff Hart, Wimborne Library, Crown Mead BH21 1HH. Each entry should have the name, age and participant’s school on the back. Prizes will be awarded in first, middle and secondary school age groups. The deadline is noon on 7 October.
GARDEN
Hayeswood Family Fun Day raises nearly £3k
Images and report by Luke Graham luke@dorsetview.co.uk
A summer fete held at Hayeswood First School in Wimborne on 29 June was able to raise a staggering £2,700 for school funds.
Organised by the Hayeswood School Association (HSA), the annual Family Fun Day featured fairground games, giant bubble wands, a craft tent, a face-painting stall and organised chaos on the busy bouncy castle and inflatable slide.
For adults, there was live music, a barbecue and the chance to win some very generous prizes in the raffle, including a top prize of £100.
An ice cream van and pop-up sweet stall were also on hand to keep everyone
cool and full of energy.
Janette Leach, chair of the HSA, said: “The Family Fun Day always provides a wonderful opportunity for families to socialise and spend quality time together. This year was really special with our DJ sets from Tip of the Pops Wheelbarrow Disco and live music including the incredible choir from St Michael’s Middle School.
“The day is also an opportunity to raise funds for the school to provide the children with extra supplies and experiences. This year we are so pleased to announce we raised £2,700.”
The event was sponsored by Avon Material Supplies Ltd, Bahnsport and ILA Law.
Enter Wimborne Gardening Club’s summer show
Local people are invited to take part in Wimborne Gardening Club’s late summer show on Saturday 31 August at the Allendale Centre from 12noon-4pm. Entry is free and awards will be presented at 3.30pm.
Classes include vegetables, giant vegetables, fruit, flowers, cookery, floral art, photography and children’s classes.
The closing date for entries is 8pm on Wednesday 28 August.
Schedules for the show are available in venues around the town and can be downloaded from the club’s website: www. wimbornegardeningclub.org.uk
Wimborne Gardening Club has even come up with a recipe for those who want to enter the cookery section and here it is:
Caribbean Bar Cake
INGREDIENTS
• 200g self raising flour
• 100g caster sugar
• 100g margarine
• 2 eggs
• 100g sultanas
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 x 227g tin pineapple slices
• Warm honey or syrup
METHOD
• Put flour, baking powder, sugar, margarine and eggs in bowl and mix well with six tablespoons of syrup from tin of pineapples.
• Put one-and-a-half pineapple rings to one side and chop remainder.
• Add chopped pineapples to mixture with sultanas and mix well.
• Spread into a lined two-pound loaf tin.
• Cut remaining one-and-a-half pineapple rings to make three semi-circles and then cut through side to make six semi-circles.
• Arrange down the centre of the mixture in the tin.
• Bake for 50mins – one hour at 150 degrees C.
• When cooked, brush cake with syrup or honey.
• Leave to cool in tin.
New food festival for Wimborne
Foodies have a date to add to their diaries.
Wimborne is to stage a new food festival on Saturday 14 September between 11am and 4pm.
At Willow Walk, a marquee will host free food demos and talks by foodie specialists and local businesses. There will also be food stalls with samples.
East Street will be closed to create a buzzy café culture with alfresco street dining, live music and food tasting.
A self-guided food walk route featuring many of the town’s food outlets will be organised by Salamander Cookshop.
This new Food Festival is being sponsored by Wimborne BID and Tammy Sleet, BID manager said: “There are so many opportunities for the wonderful eateries and food outlets in our town to still get involved and we would love to hear from more businesses with their ideas.”
Interested in taking part? Email Tammy at office@wimborne.info.
Winners of the spring show
COMPETITION WINNER Dorset View reader wins tickets to agricultural show
A Dorset View reader has won a family dualday ticket to the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show on 14 and 15 August.
Sarah Best, from Sherborne, correctly answered that Turnpike Showground is in Motcombe. Her name was drawn at random and the tickets were posted to her in early July. There were 166 entries to the competition.
The Land Girls are reliving the glory days of ABBA for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation at the Barrington Centre, Ferndown, on Saturday 17 August at 2pm. All proceeds will provide young people with the financial help they need to achieve their ambitions. Tickets to include tea and cake are available at the Barrington Centre Box Office or direct from the JTYAF.
Events
Details were correct at the time of going to print. Send information about your events to newseditor@ dorsetview.co.uk.
1–31 August 10am–4.30pm
Summer of play on Brownsea Island. Booking not needed for free event, but admission applies.
2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31 August 10.30am–12noon and 2pm–4.30pm Seasonal family bushcraft workshops on Brownsea Island. Booking essential through National Trust website.
3 August 2pm–4pm
Ferndown Arthritis and Friendship Club meets at Ferndown Plus Day Centre. Entertainment and afternoon tea. Door to door service. Call for more info 03303 112793.
3 August 12noon–10pm Stompin’ on the Quomps in Christchurch.
3 August 2.30pm
Old Time Music Hall at the Allendale Centre, tickets from the centre.
3–5 August
Beaulieu Supercar Weekend.
6 August 10am–3pm Poole Leisure Painters meet at Lighthouse Poole. Contact secretary 01202 693526.
6 August 2.30pm–4pm
Bits & Bytes Computer Club in Ferndown Library. See www. neilbarton.co.uk/bnbclub.html.
8 August 6pm
Laudemus sing at Choral Evensong at Gussage All Saints Church.
8, 15, 22 and 29 August
Poole Quay summer fireworks, free event with entertainment and finale at 10pm.
10 August
Ellingham Show at Somerley Park, Ringwood BH24 3PL.
10 August 10am-2pm
Summer fete on the green outside the Neighbourhood Centre, Canford Heath attended by Mayor and Mayoress of Poole.
10 August 10.30am–4.30pm
Wimborne Art Club summer exhibition in Church House, Wimborne with free entry.
10 August 1.15pm for 2pm and 5.45pm for 6.30pm
Peter Pan presented by SISATA at the Museum of East Dorset. Come early to play a role. Tickets from £14. For details, visit www. museumofeastdorset.co.uk/ project/peter-pan-open-airtheatre-performance.
10 August 6pm
Laudemus sing at Choral Evensong at Wimborne Minster Church.
10–26 August
10.30am–4.30 pm
Hillview Art Open Studio event at Hillview, Linwood, Ringwood BH24 3QT. Free entry. Homemade refreshments available and a garage sale, both in aid of Wildlife charities.
11 August 12noon–3pm
The Wimborne Valognes Twinning Association family picnic on Pamphill Green. Free event and all welcome. Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic. Enjoy a game of boules, croquet or a guided tour of Pamphill, or just chat.
14 August 6.30pm–9pm
Bournemouth Big Band, Swing and Jazz Club meets downstairs in Kinson Community Centre. Full details on www. bournemouthjazzclub.org.
14 and 15 August
Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. Tickets from www. gillinghamandshaftesburyshow. co.uk.
15-18 August
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival. Tickets from www. purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk.
17 August 10.30am–11.30am Win on Waste at St Nicholas Church Hall, Corfe Mullen. Visit www.winonwaste.org or call 07771 705662.
18 August 11am
Guided walk about Wimborne Minster. Starting in Square and lasting approximately one hour, just turn up. Free, but donations to Mayor’s charities welcomed.
19 August 10.30am–11.30am
Reading Friends group meets at Ferndown Library. Contact the library for more info.
22 August 7.30pm
Firework cruise around Poole Harbour to raise funds for Diverse Abilities. Tickets from diverseabilities.org.uk/fireworks.
24 August 4pm
Wimborne in Bloom Duck Race starting at the bottom of Mill Lane.
26 August 12noon–5pm Verwood Rustic Fayre, Potterne Park, Verwood. Stalls, classic cars, live entertainment, food and drink.
27 August 7.30pm West Parley Gardening Club meets at the MS Centre, West Parley. Geoff Hawkins presents: “Growing Vegetables in Small Gardens”. Visitors welcome £3. Refreshments available. For further details, please contact Rod Darch via email at rod@rdconsulting.co or call 01202 896711.
29–31 August
Bournemouth Air Festival.
31 August 7.30pm
Wimborne Gardening Club summer show in the Allendale Centre Quarterjack Room.
Discovery Village – Dorset’s new immersive role-play centre – opens soon!
It’s full steam ahead at Discovery Village, Dorset’s new immersive role-play centre in Christchurch. The construction team is working around the clock to get everything ready for a big opening event.
The nine large-scale role-play areas are taking shape, with carpenters crafting bespoke furniture and the scenic team bringing village shops to life. The large woodland-themed café with three-metretall trees, forest theming, and atmospheric lighting brings the outside indoors. It will be a place where parents will love to enjoy a Fairtrade coffee, delicious slice of cake, and home-cooked food as they watch their children play.
Discovery Village promises to be an immersive theatrical experience for children aged 1-8 years and their families. Themed around an idyllic village setting, the indoor play centre is full of costumes, toys, props, and interactive activities designed to excite children’s imaginations and allow them to learn and play through doing. Each area is meticulously designed to provide a safe and stimulating environment where children can explore different roles and scenarios.
It’s not all building and fixing, though! Discovery Village’s creative team has been working hard too. Each of the play sessions
will follow the Discovery Village story of the day through song, dance, and imaginative play. Scriptwriters and musicians are working alongside performers to create an exciting tale that little guests will love to get involved with.
“We are so excited as we approach our grand opening. We can’t wait to welcome you to Discovery Village and share this magical journey with you and your little ones. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to unveiling this enchanting new world!” said Chris Sampson, managing director of Discovery Village.
Visit www.discoveryvillage.co.uk
In conjunction with Discovery Village – a new immersive role-play centre located at the Adventure Wonderland site in Christchurch – Dorset View is offering the chance to win a family ticket for two adults and two children, which can be used on any session other than in December.
The family ticket will become available after Discovery Village’s much anticipated grand opening and will be valid for a year.
To enter the competition, answer the following question: Where is Discovery Village located?
Enter online at www.dorsetview. co.uk. Closing date is Thursday 29 August 2024. The first correct answer drawn will be the winner. Employees of Pulford Publicity Ltd and Discovery Village are not permitted to enter. There is no cash alternative. The editor’s decision is final. Personal details will be stored securely and will only be processed to determine the winner. The winner will be announced in the magazine. The winner’s name, email address and phone number will be passed to Discovery Village for the purpose of allocating the prize.
Discovery Village under construction
Roar around Wimborne on the Olympic Games safari
The Olympic Games take place in Paris from Friday 26 July until Sunday 11 August – and now Wimborne is to have its very own event.
In time for the school holidays, the town is launching ‘Animal Games’, an Olympic-themed high street safari trail.
Funded by Wimborne BID, the Animal Games trail is free to take part. It has 10 stops around the town and features creatures which come to sporting life when you scan a contactless QR code. There’s no need to download an app or sign up to any site.
Walk around the town and meet Team GB at the Animal Games as the characters reveal themselves through augmented reality. See them in action and complete your own mini sporting challenges along the way as well as learning about local sporting heroes.
The technology allows you to take selfies and make your own videos with these quirky characters. On completion of the trail, you can download a free prize e-book and ‘pin’ digital Olympic badges to yourself for fun summer photos.
Tammy Sleet, BID manager said: “The trail is an innovative way to offer free activities for tourists and locals throughout the summer. It allows adults to discover the town while their children have great fun along the way.”
Look out for the large Animal Games cut-outs around the town or to find out more visit www.wimborne.info
Unique 1950 Ferrari to star at Blenheim Palace
A unique 1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo’ is to be a headline attraction at Blenheim Palace later this month.
‘Uovo’ is Italian for egg, which perfectly describes this futuristic car’s attention-grabbing design. It is certain to cause a stir at Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients.
Described as one of the most famous Ferraris ever built, it was created by a young and enthusiastic team as an ultra-aerodynamic one-off designed to perform better in high-speed road races such as the Mille Miglia.
Racing driver Giannino Marzotto was the driving force behind ‘Uovo’. He admired Ferrari’s V12 engines but was certain improved aerodynamics could unlock even more performance. With his brother Vittorio, he ordered two Ferrari 212 Export chassis, to be delivered with engines and running gear, but without bodywork.
He discussed his ideas with coachbuilder Paolo Fontana,
plus talented engineer and designer Franco Reggiani.
Reggiani designed a low nose, a narrow body to slip through the air and pronounced and rounded front and rear wings framing a slim cockpit. Uniquely, instead of traditional A-pillars, the car had braided steel cables that held the roof in place, while the windscreen was shallow (and made from Perspex, rather than glass). He also positioned the driver’s seat towards the rear of the car following guidance from Enzo Ferrari that sitting towards the rear helps the driver have a better perfection of oversteer.
The 212 Export chassis were late in arriving, so they used an existing 166 MM Touring Barchetta chassis. When the two 212 Exports turned up, the engine was removed from one of them to be fitted in the new car. It was based on the original 1.5-litre V12 Ferrari, but now had a capacity of 2.6 litres, and produced 190bhp.
A key feature of the Uovo was its extra-large fuel tank, which allowed the driver to cover more than 300 miles between stops. This was a key factor in doing so well in the 1951 Mille Miglia and in scoring its breakthrough victory at the
1951 Coppa della Toscana. It then scored a memorable victory in the 1952 TrentoBondone, driven by Giulio Cabianca and subsequently spent a few years racing in North America, before being retired into a private collection.
This unique car appeared as one of the legends of the marque at Ferrari’s 50th anniversary celebrations at the Museo Enzo Ferrari in 1997, but ‘Uovo’ remains a concours rarity.
“This exceptional car has been something of an undiscovered gem for decades,” said Salon Privé Concours Chairman Andrew Bagley. “It is an icon that has spent its life largely hidden behind closed doors, so I am thrilled that we have secured it to be one of the star draws at Blenheim Palace this August. I know it will be a memorable attraction for our guests, who will relish the opportunity to finally see this wonderfully unique and iconic Ferrari up close.”
Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients runs on 28-29 August 2024. Tickets available at https://www. salonpriveconcours.com/
Plasterer wins award
A female plasterer, decorator and tiler based in Hampshire won £1,000 for her business pitch at an event held in Lyndhurst in June organised by Incuhive and New Forest District Council.
Debbie Watkins impressed the judging panel with her idea for a decorating business focused on the elderly and vulnerable.
She initially learned to plaster so she could take on a property of her own and later decided to turn her skills into a business. She said: “Having worked with the elderly and vulnerable previously in a care capacity, I know how important it is for everyone involved, including their families who cannot always be around to supervise, to feel comfortable with who is in their own home whilst work is taking place.
“I learnt a lot about people and their concerns or worries and I realised I
could use what I learnt to make my business different aside from being a female.”
After training at an approved construction school and with the Dulux Academy, she started DW Plastering and Decorating Service in March. Debbie offers a complete service meaning that clients do not have to hire different professionals for a single job. She is fully insured and has an enhanced DBS to put customers and their families at ease.
Contact Debbie on 07598 023384 or email dwfemaleplasterer@hotmail.com
Heroes of the plant world
By Janine Pulford
Are you someone who can’t bring yourself to kill garden pests?
If so, your garden, like mine, will be a haven for all sorts of weird and wonderful wildlife, but growing flowers could be a challenge.
On the slugs and snails front, I’ve not yet found a plant centre that displays flowers in relation to how resistant they are to these voracious creatures and buying the wrong plants has been costly and upsetting.
The joyful experience of choosing and planting flowers in the garden can be
destroyed overnight when the gastropods dine out leaving rows of stalks instead of pretty blooms. Big losses in my experience are pansies, campanulas and marigolds and seedlings wiped out in one sitting include nasturtiums, sunflowers and Helichrysums.
Primulas are clearly a delicacy as not only do the flowers and buds vanish but slugs and snails have the cheek to hide in the fleshy leaves of the plants during the
day ready to feast on any new buds that dare to emerge.
An online check of my observations did not reflect everyone else’s experiences as my slugs and snails ate some plants hailed as resistant elsewhere. I can only assume that geographically, gastropods have different tastes. I live near Ferndown and can only speak of my circumstances.
I got so fed up with my losses that last year I carried out an experiment
and discovered that the plant heroes listed below did not appeal to my gastropods. Not only that, they flowered this year too and will hopefully continue to thrive in years to come.
If you know of any other plant heroes do send the details as I would love to vary my borders and please don’t say roses, as they suffer in my garden with black spot, but that’s another story. Email janine@dorsetview.co.uk
Resistant and
again in 2024
Euphorbia
Salvia ‘Hot Lips’
Achillea ‘Sassy Summer Sangria’ Nemesia
Penstemon hartwegii ‘party bells’
OLD TOYS
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specialist services
CORRESPONDENCE
To express your opinion or idea about the community send your letters to letters@dorsetview.co.uk
Congratulations to the new Government
Congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on becoming our new Prime Minister at the head of this country’s first Labour government in 14 years. With the country deciding it is time for change and new leadership, we urge his government to immediately seize this opportunity to unequivocally place the economy and business at the heart of its policies. As the voice of business in Dorset, we will be working closely with fellow members of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to encourage the government to use this new start to rebuild economic confidence and tackle the myriad of challenges holding business back.
Our congratulations also go to the Members of Parliament elected in constituencies across Dorset.
We look forward to working closely with them to help drive the local economy and build on Dorset’s deserved reputation as one of the very best places in which to live, work and do business.
Ian Girling
Chief Executive,
Dorset Chamber
Broadstone disabled parking spot is often blocked
For the last few months, I’ve been in discussion with BCP about the difficulty of parking in a disabled spot outside M&S/Tesco in Broadstone. Even if there is a space available, I’ve been unable to take advantage of it because of the number of vehicles that block the entrance waiting for a normal place to become available.
I’ve complained to BCP numerous times, but they assure me that they regularly patrol the area to prevent illegal parking. If this is true, then it’s not having a positive result. Take a couple of Saturdays ago, there was a builder’s truck parked in the disabled bay.
People like me are suffering because other motorists are too lazy to park legally.
Keith Brooks Broadstone
NEWS IN BRIEF
Time running out
Have your say on Travel Plan monitoring fees. Currently developers in the BCP area only have to pay these in Poole, but this could be extended to Bournemouth and Christchurch. You have until 11.59pm on Friday 19 August to have your say: haveyoursay. bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ travel-plan-fees.
Affordable homes
Thank you Marilyn Barber
May I pass my thanks to Marilyn for the interview she carried out and published in the July Dorset View covering my award of the BEM.
Over the 49 years we have lived in Wimborne, I have been involved in local community group activities and would like to thank them as well for their support in this award.
Having been rescued once, I joined the Wimborne branch of the RNLI and over some 20 years helped with fundraising, I took over as chairman and after a period we merged the branch with Poole to further the fundraising team. For my services I received an RNLI silver medal, so my appreciation for their support.
When a friend’s daughter suffered a stroke leaving her blind, I joined him to assist with ‘Shooting for the Visually Impaired’ and have now been active with that for over 10 years. A very rewarding event to assist with and give confidence to those shooting.
We chose to live in Wimborne as it was convenient for my work, a town full of character and history, plus with convenient schools for our daughters. Today it is a larger town, but one we still enjoy being a part of.
Geof Haywood Wimborne
508 affordable homes, including 65 in the Wimborne area and 18 in Verwood, have been built across Dorset in the last financial year. New sites soon to be completed include one in Corfe Mullen. Provided by Housing Associations, the developments include rented and shared ownership homes and houses for essential local workers. Sites that were built either by Housing Associations or acquired by the council in the year to March 2024 also include: 64 in Blandford Forum, 34 in Sturminster Newton, 27 in Shaftesbury, 34 in Weymouth, and 15 in Chickerell and Portland.
Prolific shoplifter
jailed
A man found guilty of shoplifting more than £1,400-worth of goods from stores in the Bournemouth area has been sent to prison for 16 months. Graham Ridealgh, 52, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on Monday 24 June after pleading guilty at Poole Magistrates’ Court to shoplifting and non-dwelling burglary offences.
Wimborne Militia to celebrate 25 years
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@dorsetview.co.uk |
The Wimborne Militia has contributed so much to the colour and history of the town of Wimborne Minster that it’s hard to imagine a time when they didn’t exist.
This September, the group, which is present at every major event in the town, celebrates its 25th anniversary.
So how did it all come about?
Before he became Wimborne town crier, Chris Brown, who has a huge knowledge and interest in the 17th century, was appointed as deputy town crier by the town council. He was subsequently made the Town Mayor’s Serjant – the revival of an ancient role in which he assists in the town’s civic functions and duties.
And when Mike Andrews moved on to become town crier of Ferndown, Chris became Wimborne Minster town crier.
He was attending the switching on of the Christmas lights at the Rising Sun pub when he met up with Melvin Gudger, who like Chris had been a member of The Sealed Knot Society, which is the oldest re-enactment society in the UK.
The two men, who both had the necessary costumes, took part in the 1999 annual Save the Children Christmas parade.
“We then spoke to the mayor and the town council suggesting that we could form the Wimborne Militia, and they gave us permission,” Chris said.
“Wimborne is unique as no other town in the country has an organisation like this,” he said, adding that the formal constitution is renewed by the council every year.
Chris, who is now retired but was formerly group manager for the Children’s Society in Bournemouth, found a few other former members of the Sealed Knot
Society in Wimborne, which included Alex Compiani, who is still with the militia.
Their first outfits were made by Armani Skillen who lived in Wimborne at the time.
Today they have 60 members including followers, with some women taking on male roles.
One of the militia’s earliest projects was the creation of the 17th century Physic Garden, which is behind the Town Hall.
“It had just been a collection of sheds and small buildings but the council accepted our proposal to transform it.”
This they did with the guidance of a medical herbalist Linda Harrold.
Because some of the earliest militia members had been members of the Sealed Knot Society they had muskets, and a black powder licence. Two members are licensed to keep gun powder.
To allay concerns about the noise of the firing of the cannons – they have five in total – Chris always gives the audience a 10-minute warning.
As well as being such an important presence in Wimborne, the Wimborne Militia travels to events including the Chalke History Festival and the Beating of the Bounds in Poole.
Chris, who did an Open University Course on 17th century culture and politics, considers the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 to be a turning point in history.
“I was brought up in Newbury where three civil war battles took place, and we were always finding musket balls in our school playground.
“The 17th century is hugely important in our history as we can verify everything that took place after the Monmouth Rebellion. It established our democracy whereby the King was no longer autocratic.”
Chris’s enthusiasm for the 17th century even permeated his wedding, for when he married Anne in the church of St Mary in Speen, which is just outside Newbury, they were both dressed in 17th century attire as was the vicar. The couple went on to have four sons, and three grandsons.
Chris has had a lifelong health battle. At the age of 18 months he contracted polio from a swimming pool at a holiday camp.
“My mother was told that I would never walk and that I should be put in a care home,” he said.
Chris defied the grim prognosis and within six months was moving about. Over the years he has had many operations and is never without pain, but always has a smile on his face and huge enthusiasm for everything life has to offer.
Wimborne Militia’s 25th anniversary weekend is going to be quite something.
On Thursday 5 September, Professor Ronald Hutton is to give a talk on the Monmouth Rebellion at the Museum of East Dorset.
Celebrations will then take place from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 September on the field just before Julian's Bridge.
The events will include talks by Chris and Melvin on the history of the militia; a talk by Chris Copson of the Tank Museum on the Battle of Sedgemoor; cannon and musket displays; a demonstration of leather skills; crafts of the period and things for children to enjoy. There will also be a 17th century coffee house.
“We will have something rather special on Saturday evening, with the firing of cannons to tie in with the 1812 overture,” Chris said.
